Nice To Have: Stamping

The following list is the tools that are not essential, but sure do make stamping that much simpler.  Once again these are my personal opinions, and I agree that there are other ways or items you can use, but these are the ones that I found work best for me. (I do not get paid, or associated with any of the manufactures, or stores listed.)  

The M.I.S.T.I   (Most Incredible Stamping Tool Invented)

I debated putting this on my essential list because I use this whenever I am making cards.  I discovered this tool a few years ago and I will not go back to not having it.  Fare warning it is a little bit pricey, this is an investment tool, I know why people are hesitant but the time and mistakes it prevents are worth every penny.  It's perfect for sentiments (can we say straight), background stamps are a breeze (no more internal mantra "please work, please work, please work"), and multiple cards of the same or similar type are no longer a chore (what you want 50 no problem). Once you see this tool at work, and you use it to fix a stamping that was not complete you will say "they were so right".  For card makers I really do recommend the original.  There is a mini but unless you are never going to do anything except for 4 1/4 by 5 1/2 cards ... 

 My Sweet Petunia, Amazon, Your Local Stamp Store  

The great thing about this tool is that you can place a stamp once, and as long as you remember where the paper goes you will always stamp in the same position.

Now there are other stamp position tools out there, and I have tried many of them, but this is the one that I never have issues with.  I have even watched several videos on how to make your own.  The one thing that none of the others that I have seen have been able to manage is to put the metal in the base so you can use the magnets. Now I will admit I have made the DVD case one and I like that when I'm going someplace where I have to wait to get some stamping done, but it is not big enough for me to use over the MISTI.  

(Okay I will get off my soap box now. I can't help that I love it. I even have a padded case for it, use only the recommended cleaner, and have all the templates.) 

Stamp Inventory

I am planning to have a whole post on organizing, but one thing that I love is having an inventory binder of all my stamped images. This helps to eliminate buying duplicates, is great to page through when you need some inspiration, and helps when planning your cards.  Nothing like cutting a bunch of pieces and finding out that your sentiment does fit (not that I have done that more than a few times).  Some people like to have this on paper, some like this electronic, some just like lists, some like images. There are lots of videos discussing the different ways to make these.  It is all personal preference. I suggest watching and seeing what you think might work best for you. 

For me I like to have the images, electronically, and accessible via my computer and an app on my phone.  

Crafty Ramblings: The paper crafting community

Hello Everyone! 

So it’s been a few weeks since my last post; that was because I went to the local stamp/scrapbook show.  So of course I then had to play with all my new goodies, I think/hope most of you will understand.  That show is the inspiration for this post.

If you read my about me post you know that paper crafting was not my first crafting hobby.  I think the one reason why I got deeper into it, and have stuck with it so long is the community. When I first started I was pretty much on my own, and so my growth was limited, but then with the discovery of my local store, classes and the wealth of knowledge on the internet my love and knowledge grew.

The community is one I have not seen before, we are willing to share ideas, tips, knowledge, inspiration and our love.  It’s funny I walk into a show now and I am rarely in the front door when someone I know is flagging me down to say Hi, and give me a hug. This could be a vendor, one of the many teachers, a fellow classmate at some time, or just someone I have run into at the show time and time again and had conversations with at some stall.  This community is one that shares, I don’t know how many classes I have been in and shared my supplies or someone else has shared theirs.  There is even the concept of C.A.S.E’ng a card or project.  C.A.S.E stands for copy and steal everything, it’s where you see a card you just love of someone else’s and recreate it. It is quite an honor to have that done.  How many communities are willing to let you do that? 

Yes, there are copyright, patent’s and angel policy’s you need to follow. For any stamp or items, you acquire you should look up the policy the vendor has, and follow it.  For the most part it is simple, give them credit for the products that you use, don’t claim their art work or designs as your own, and don’t mass produce with machines and turn around and sell the products. Check out your vendors for their exact policy especially if you are thinking of selling your works.

I go the shows not only for the classes if available, and the products but for the tips and ideas I get from the people there.  The vendors typically have make and takes where you can try out some of their products, or are demoing a product of theirs. In addition, there is the knowledge of our fellow paper crafters. I don’t know how many times I have picked up a product and someone may lean over and provide an example of how else I can use it, or where else I can get it.   

A friend of mine calls card making her therapy. She is so true. I know that I am happier and feel more in balance if I am able to be creative. My vacations for shows or classes are not a nice to have anymore, but mandatory for me to recharge my batteries.  There are studies that show people that do some sort of creative hobby are better workers. The study looked at work performance results of people that have a creative hobby and those that do not.  There is up to 30% better work performance for the people that have a creative hobby.

So to my fellow paper crafters out there Thank you and Hugs!  Please keep sharing and so will I.